Will America’s theme parks survive the rollercoaster ride of COVID – 19?
Draft

Will America’s theme parks survive the rollercoaster ride of COVID – 19?




Spring break is usually peak season for America’s theme parks. The multi-billion-dollar industry relies on thousands of visitors flocking to parks and resorts across America for rides, games and attractions.


But with social distancing in full measure, borders closed to international tourists and travel grinding to a halt – most parks are closed. And with no turnstiles spinning, that means no dollars are flowing. And with summer approach, there’s no sure sign anything will be open any time soon.


The situation has some industry experts wondering what will remain once the life returns to normal, or at least a new-normal in the coming months?

 

While the Disney and Universal theme parks are part of giant, multi-billion-dollar entertainment corporations, the next three most-visited chains in the United States are independent, publicly traded companies: Six Flags, Cedar Fair, and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Over the past month, each of these three companies have lost over half of their market share.


  • Six Flags, which drew an estimated 32 million visitors in 2018 (the last year for which TEA/AECOM attendance data is available), dropped from $38.42 a share one month ago to $12.86 — a 56 percent loss.


  • Cedar Fair, which drew 25.9 million visitors in 2018, dropped from $53.97 a share to $17.34 — a 68 percent loss.


  • SeaWorld, which drew 22.6 million visitors in 2018, dropped from $35.97 a share to $8.74 — a 76 percent loss. March 17 – Theme Park Insider

 



There are many different angles to cover when it comes to COVID-19 and how it is impacting all aspects of American society. If you are a journalist looking to cover angles and  that includes tourism, family resorts and theme parks – then let our experts help.

 

Dr. Martin Lewison is a professor in the Department of Business Management at Farmingdale. He’s also an expert and self-proclaimed junkie when it comes to rollercoasters and theme parks. He has ridden the rails of close to 2000 coasters in 37 countries. He is also a go-to source for national media on the subject. Dr. Lewison is available– simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.


powered by